Tragic Incident Claims Life of Paul Corrigan at Killyclogher School

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, Paul Corrigan, a dedicated facilities management staff member, died at St. Mary’s Primary School in Killyclogher, County Tyrone. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, prompting immediate response from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

According to an official statement from the Education Authority (EA), Corrigan was a highly valued employee who had served the organization for over 30 years. He worked diligently as a building supervisor and part of the grounds maintenance team. "Paul was a much-loved and respected member of staff within the Education Authority, and we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues at this time," the EA spokesperson stated.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, where NIAS reported the deployment of one emergency ambulance and a charity air ambulance equipped with Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). However, no individuals were transported from the site. The NIFRS confirmed that their personnel assisted in safely moving a casualty and left the scene shortly after 10:08 BST.

Local parish priest, Fr. Declan McGeehan, expressed his sorrow at the loss of Corrigan, describing him as a well-liked figure in the community. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Corrigan following an incident at St Mary’s Primary School. He served many of our schools with dedication, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, daughter, and the wider Corrigan family," McGeehan remarked.

Carole McAuley, Principal of St. Mary’s Primary School, also shared her immense shock and sadness over the incident. "Over the past thirty-eight years, Mr. Paul Corrigan maintained our school site with great pride, care, and attention. My thoughts are with the Corrigan family at this difficult time," she stated.

Independent councillor Josephine Deehan emphasized that the community is "deeply saddened and shocked" by the incident, highlighting Corrigan’s popularity and hard work in the region. "He was incredibly popular, very hardworking, and highly respected," Deehan added.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has been informed and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. A police cordon remains in place at the school as officials conduct their inquiry.

This tragic event underscores the importance of health and safety protocols within educational institutions. As the investigation unfolds, community members are left to mourn the loss of a valued individual who contributed significantly to the local educational landscape.